Rocky Reef Fishery Level 2 Ecological Risk Assessment

Abstract

A Scoping Study and Level 1 Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) for the Rocky Reef Fishery was released in July 2019 (Jacobsen et al. 2019). The Level 1 assessment identified ecological components at higher risk from line fishing activities, and these were progressed to a Level 2 assessment. Level 2 ERAs are focused at the species level with risk evaluations based on a Productivity & Susceptibility Analysis (PSA). The PSA evaluates risk for each species through an assessment of seven biological attributes and up to seven fisheries-specific attributes.

This Level 2 ERA examined the risk posed to ten target & byproduct species and one species of shark. Of the target & byproduct species, seven were found to be at high risk and three at medium risk. The shark species (grey nurse shark) was found to be at high risk from line fishing activities. Risk profiles were influenced by data deficiencies, an underdeveloped management regime, and cumulative fishing pressures. For six of the 11 species, final risk ratings are more representative of the potential risk. Management of precautionary risks beyond what is already being undertaken as part of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027 is not considered an immediate priority.

The Level 2 ERA made a list of recommendations to assist in the management and mitigation of risk in the Rocky Reef Fishery. A number of these measures are already being discussed as part of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027, including the development of a harvest strategy. As these reforms are still in development and yet to be fully implemented, the Level 2 ERA only considers management arrangements that are in place at the time of assessment.